http://simplycharlottemason.com/scmforum/ SCM Community Forum » Topic: Dear America Books en Mon, 06 Sep 2010 07:48:49 +0000 http://simplycharlottemason.com/scmforum/topic/dear-america-books#post-16249 Sun, 21 Feb 2010 10:40:54 +0000 my3boys 16249@http://simplycharlottemason.com/scmforum/ <p>My 11yo son has read many of these books and we have read 2 together.&nbsp; The first was a Dear America one&nbsp;about a young girl on the Oregon Trail, I didn't notice any thing *adult*, but honestly, I wasn't looking for that either, I was just glad he was interested in reading.&nbsp; The next one was Douglas Allen Deeds/A Donner Party Survivor, and again, I didn't notice anything, but was looking for any&nbsp;unnecessary content.&nbsp; After these two he was hooked and he reads quite a bit of them, as a matter of fact he's into one right now.&nbsp; This time I will read along with him or suggest another series altogether.</p> <p>When you have a reluctant reader,&nbsp;and all of a sudden he/she becomes interested (and I don't think it's just the *content* in these books, he's read other types of books, as well), you're pretty much just excited that they *want* to read or be read to.&nbsp; I was elated when he finally caught on that reading could be entertaining/exciting/suspenseful without it always feeling like you are *suppose* to be learning something.&nbsp; But, now that he has caught on I will definitely be monitoring what he's reading, especially when the books are suppose to be for young minds, but have content that we can pass on.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also,&nbsp;there are plenty of other books worth reading.&nbsp;</p> <p>We are doing the 106's days and he actually really likes the books that are suggested. He gets really irritated at his br.'s if they're too noisy and he can't hear.&nbsp; So all is not lost, he finds The Adventures of Buster Bear just as interesting as the Dear America books, whew!!!</p> <p>What do any of you who have posted suggest for an 11 yo boy???</p> http://simplycharlottemason.com/scmforum/topic/dear-america-books#post-8663 Wed, 10 Jun 2009 10:47:46 +0000 Shanna 8663@http://simplycharlottemason.com/scmforum/ <p>Wow Michelle, I had no idea things like this were in those books. We have not read them but I did pick up 2 at the thrift store the other day. Guess I know what I will be reading. Thank you for warning about these books. </p> http://simplycharlottemason.com/scmforum/topic/dear-america-books#post-8636 Wed, 10 Jun 2009 01:15:01 +0000 Sue in MN 8636@http://simplycharlottemason.com/scmforum/ <p>Wow, my dd has read many of these. She is 14 though but I had no idea what was really in these books. I wonder if these books are appropriate for her either at 14. </p> http://simplycharlottemason.com/scmforum/topic/dear-america-books#post-8628 Tue, 09 Jun 2009 20:13:34 +0000 Angie 8628@http://simplycharlottemason.com/scmforum/ <p>Than you so much for the heads up on these books. I just skimmed through one at the library and thought it was a great idea for the kids to read, but would have never thought of those themes being discussed in these children's books. I am one who has to preview before the kids see or read. I almost let my guard down on this one. I am so thankful for this group to ask questions. Thank you again for the warning. </p> <p>Angie </p> http://simplycharlottemason.com/scmforum/topic/dear-america-books#post-8553 Sun, 07 Jun 2009 07:04:28 +0000 knechtslodge 8553@http://simplycharlottemason.com/scmforum/ <p>My daughter had expressed interest in this series of books and she is 10. I had no idea some of the content that was in them. Thanks so much for the heads up. It is not a favorite series of hers so I won't have much trouble keeping her away from them, but I really appreciate the info. </p> http://simplycharlottemason.com/scmforum/topic/dear-america-books#post-8543 Sat, 06 Jun 2009 17:28:31 +0000 Bookworm 8543@http://simplycharlottemason.com/scmforum/ <p>Angie, while there are a few of these books that are "okay" in terms of being living books, in general I recommend a great deal of caution in dealing with these books, particulary in the targeted 8-11 y.o. age. I have read about 20 of these, and there were a few that I thought passable, but many had much too much adult content for this age group. A sample of things I found in these books: Description of slave rape by owners; having babies out of wedlock; abuse of slaves; suicide; adulterous thoughts; and some very violent episodes, such as a girl's hair getting caught in mill wheels and her scalp being ripped off. I found all of this pretty objectionable stuff for the intended age group. Please, please preread!<br /> Michelle D </p> http://simplycharlottemason.com/scmforum/topic/dear-america-books#post-8541 Sat, 06 Jun 2009 15:36:55 +0000 Angie 8541@http://simplycharlottemason.com/scmforum/ <p>I am new to the Charlotte Mason approach and am wondering about the Dear America Book series. Would that be considered a living book? They seem to be written in a journal form "written by a child during their travels". I am interested in looking into living books and saw this one at our library. Does anyone know about these books and have an opinion on them? Thanks. </p>